The Tyrone Community Players have begun all the music, acting and dance rehearsals it will take to bring the style, charisma and charm of Frank Sinatra to Tyrone.
My Way, A Musical Tribute To Frank Sinatra, will bring the attitude of Frank’s “rat pack” years to the stage by using parts of 53 songs he recorded throughout his long and well documented career. Along the way the cast will treat the audience to stories and folk lure about the “Chairman Of The Board” himself.
The quartet of outstanding performers is led by Jennifer DeCoste, singing soprano. Jenn, a veteran of TCP productions, was seen on stage in Deathtrap, The Christmas Caroled, and Always, Patsy Cline, music directed Peter Pan and Fiddler on the Roof, and performed in TCP’s award winning theater festival productions of Haiku, Scent of Honeysuckle. Jennifer also graciously donated her time and talent to TCP by performing in a fund raising concert, A Night of Music, with David Bickle.
Blending her deep, rich alto voice with Jennifer’s clear, strong soprano is Kate Coltabaugh of Tyrone. Kate is an active member of TCP, currently serving on their Board of Directors. She has performed as the title character in the TCP production of Peter Pan, was seen as Shelby in Steel Magnolias and as Patsy in Always, Patsy Cline. Kate was also a featured vocalist in An American Cabaret this year.
Brett Keith sings tenor. For anyone that knows, or has heard Brett sing, a more apt description would be, Brett Keith is tenor. He has performed with TCP in past productions of Some Enchanted Evening, as Prince Charming in Cinderella and a jiving GI in GI Juke Box. Brett is a member of the TCP Board of Directors and a will be the music director for TCP’s spring production of Seussical.
Rounding out the quartet are the baritone tones of Rich Volpe. Rich is a relative newcomer to the TCP stage, having performed first in the ensemble in Pippin and then Annie Get Your Gun. Rich has had varied experience in other local theater companies, singing and performing with ACT and Cresson Lake Theater.
These four outstanding performers are being directed toward the style of Sinatra by TCP veteran director Cindy Bennett. Cindy is an active TCP participant, sitting on the TCP Production Committee and Board Of Directors. She has performed on the TCP stage in such productions as Hello Dolly, Gypsy, Steel Magnolias and (her favorite) as the Reverend Mother in the Nunsense ensemble.
Her main stage directing credentials include Fiddler on the Roof, Oklahoma, Peter Pan, Angel Street, Kiss Me Kate and The Best Christmas Pageant Ever to name a few. She has received awards for her productions of Haiku, Scent of Honeysuckle and Tell Me Another Story, Sing Me A Song as TCP entrants in PA State Theater Festivals, and authored several plays for young audiences produced by TCP: FGMIT’s Accidental Magic (performed by young actors), and Once Upon A Happily Ever Always, original music composed by Will Jones, which was presented by adults for young audiences. Cindy was also appointed to the Board of Directors of The PA Association of Community Theaters whose mission is to promote the growth and stability of community theater throughout the Commonwealth.
The music of Sinatra is what makes Frank – Frank. In fact, when once asked why he enjoyed such popularity and how he hoped to continue it, he simply stated, “Sing great songs!”
To sing great songs a cast needs someone to guide them down the lyrical and harmonious path. In My Way, that person is Karen Mayhew. Karen has been involved with the TCP in many areas for many seasons. She has been seen on stage in productions of Gypsy, Into the Woods and Peter Pan, has music directed Kiss Me Kate and Cinderella and directed the TCP productions of Forever Plaid and Taffettas. Karen also serves on the Production Committee, the artistic arm of TCP, in charge of stage decor. Karen also orchestrated and music directed the original TCP production, authored by Will Jones, of A Christmas Caroled.
The TCP presentation of My Way, A Musical Tribute To Frank Sinatra, will be held at The Tyrone Social Center on Saturday, August 6 and Friday and Saturday, August 12 and 13, in dinner theater.
Information and/or reservations may be made by phoning the ArtsLine at 684-ART2 (2782). Seating is limited so don’t miss out on this chance to spend a lovely evening in the company of friends and the dulcet tones of the music that has “illustrated the times of our lives.”
